Four recommended tourist spots in Maringá, a city in southern Brazil!

Maringá City, located in the northern part of Paraná State in southern Brazil, was established as a municipality in 1947 and boasts the third-largest population among Brazil's modern garden cities. The Tropic of Capricorn runs through the area, and its humid subtropical climate makes it a comfortable place to visit at any time of the year.

Maringá is a unique and highly international city in Brazil, with many immigrants from Eastern Europe, Italy, Germany, and Japan (approximately 15,000 people of Japanese descent). Unlike many other Brazilian cities, it has little African influence due to the absence of a history of slave influx.

It is also a sister city to Kakogawa City in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, and is the hometown of Alessandro Santos, a former player of Japan’s national soccer team. Maringá is a city with deep ties to Japan. Compared to other states, it has a lower crime rate, making it a recommended tourist destination in Brazil. Here are some must-see attractions in Maringá!

1. Catedral Metropolitana Basílica Menor Nossa Senhora da Glória

The Roman Catholic church Catedral Metropolitana Basílica Menor Nossa Senhora da Glória, which symbolizes the desire to be closer to the world of God, was built in a conical shape and stands 124 meters tall. It’s an iconic building right in the heart of Maringá. The cross on top of the cathedral’s conical spire and the foundation stone, made from marble brought from St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, add to its significance. Construction began in 1959 and, after many years, was completed in 1972. It is the tallest church in South America.

Towering over the city center, its silhouette is reminiscent of the Tokyo Skytree. The interior of the cathedral features impressive stained glass decorations. Climbing the 520 steps up to the top of the 124-meter tower rewards visitors with a panoramic view of the lush, green cityscape. This cathedral is a must-see and a very popular tourist spot for visitors to Maringá.

2. Parque do Japão Memorial Imin 100

As part of a major project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Brazil, several Japanese gardeners were dispatched to help design and build the Maringá Japanese Garden, which opened in 2014 after eight years of development. Covering an area of approximately 100,000 square meters, it is the largest Japanese garden in Brazil. It has a graceful atmosphere reminiscent of the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden in Tokyo.

The garden includes walking paths, ponds with swimming koi fish, a tea house gifted by sister city Kakogawa, an event hall, and a restaurant. It serves as a cultural hub for sharing and promoting Japanese culture through various events. In 2015, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan visited this Japanese garden in Maringá. On weekends, it becomes a relaxing spot for local citizens and is always lively with visitors. It’s also a popular tourist destination for people from across Brazil and abroad. When visiting Maringá, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Japanese garden in Brazil!

3. Parque do Ingá

Parque do Ingá, located within Maringá’s forest reserve, opened in October 1971. It covers approximately 470,000 square meters and features preserved native forests, an artificial lake, and a 7 km-long hexagonal walkway. Inside the park, there’s a small zoo, and visitors can enjoy pedal boating on the lake.

In 1978, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Brazil, a Japanese garden was opened within Parque do Ingá. In 1991, it was integrated into the city of Maringá as a permanently protected area and was declared a municipal park. With its zoo, lake, walking trails, restaurants, and barbecue areas surrounded by lush forest in the center of Maringá, it’s a beloved spot for locals to relax and enjoy nature. Of course, it’s also a must-see tourist attraction for visitors to Maringá, along with the Maringá Cathedral and the Japanese Garden.

4. Templo Budista Jodoshu NIPPAKUJI

Templo Budista Jodoshu NIPPAKUJI was founded in 1974, and its current main hall was completed in May 1983. A priest was dispatched from Japan as the founding minister, and now a second-generation Japanese-Brazilian priest serves at the temple. Even while in Brazil, traditional Jodo-shu Buddhist ceremonies are held just as they are in Japan. On New Year’s Eve, the temple rings the bell for Joya no Kane, just like in Japan, offering a deep connection for Japanese people and their descendants living far from their homeland.

In addition, the temple operates a welfare service called "Paraná Elderly Welfare Wajun Association," which provides free care and housing for elderly Japanese descendants without financial means or family. This nursing facility, called "Wajun Home," offers vital support to the Japanese-Brazilian senior community. Visiting Templo NIPPAKUJI gives you an even deeper experience of Japanese culture within Maringá’s urban area, making your trip to Brazil and Maringá more meaningful.

◎ Summary

Maringá is a city where you can truly feel the deep bond between Brazil and Japan. By touring Maringá, you can discover parts of Japanese history that are difficult to learn about while in Japan. Maringá is also blessed with rich nature, which is part of its charm. Make sure to enjoy the vast, breathtaking nature that Brazil is known for! Be sure to visit Maringá, a Brazilian tourist city full of unique and fascinating experiences.

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Four recommended tourist spots in Maringá, a city in southern Brazil!